A Year in a 
Fresh Air School 



Joan Baxter Rollins 



A Year in a Fresh Air School 



By 

Joan Baxter Rollins 



COPYRIGHT. 1912 
TEE UTILE CERC.NI LE MPANY 



PEICE TWENTY-F] r E CE: - 



THE LITTLE CHKONICLE COMPANY. 
PUBLISHEES, 

542 South Dearborn St., 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. 



RECENT BOOKS ON FRESH AIR 
AND SCHOOLS 



Open Air Crusaders, edited by Sherman C. Kingsley, general superintend- 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



1. The Class-Room — Equipment. 

2. Characters in the Little Fresh- Air Drama. 

3. Requirements for a Teacher in a Fresh-Air Roon* 

4. Weathering a Long, Severe Winter. 

5. Effect Upon the Children. 

6. Character Building. 
Equipment of Culinary Department. 
Some Questions Answered. 
Practical Recipes. 







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TAKING CARE OF THE TEETH 



A Year in a Fresh Air School 

By 

Joan Baxter Rollins 



THE CLASS-ROOM— EQUIPMENT. 

When the teacher came to take charge of Rcom — . about the first 
of December, nineteen hundred eleven, the lower sash of each of the 
four large windows that occupied practically the entire south side of the 
room was thrown up even with the top sash. The temperature at the 
windows was 54°, while in the warmest corner of the room it was 6o°. 

The doer leading from the main hall into the northwest corner of 
the room bore the sign, "Please enter by the dressing-room door." 

The "dressing" or cloak room extended the entire length of the west 
side of the room, with a door leading into it from the southwest corner 
of the classroom, the exit being at the north end. Hence, there was 
practically no draught in the room, except at the southwest corner, and 
then only when both entrance and exit of the cloakroom were open. 

Aside from the regular schoolroom furnishings, there were scales 
for weighing the children, a thermometer at the window in the south- 
west corner, one at the door in the northwest corner, and a thermometer 
and hygrometer in the northeast corner. Twenty-five cots, with blanket, 
"stocking-cap" and eye-shield, enclosed in each, were stacked in the 
rear, or east, end of the room. 

Instead of desks, there were tables, with no drawers for putting 
away books. 

Tables may have the advantage over stationary seats and desks, in 
being transferable to any desired part of the room, but there is much 
unavoidable noise and confusion in the transfer. Added to this, they 
are decidedly inappropriate during the writing period, when part of the 
pupils must sit with their backs to the teacher when she is directing 
them. 

An invitation to a Fresh Air Room that had been in operation for 
some time revealed curtains at the windows ; and at the ends of the 



A YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



tables bags for holding the books ; also an understanding that the 
teacher had a very happy faculty for getting donations along that line 
of furnishing. 



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PATRONS ENTERTAINED AT A CHILDREN'S PARTY JUST BEFORE COLD 

WEATHER SET IN 

Hence, about the first thing to occupy the teacher's attention outside 
of school hours was to visit several leading merchants, with the result 
that the owner of a well-known department store donated material for 
bags and for curtains for the large upper sash of the windows, with 
fine double-rods for hanging them. 

The making of these kept the teacher out of mischief several 
Saturdays. 

Many do not approve of draperies in a schoolroom of this kind; 
but the children were delighted with the cheerful, "homey" look of it. 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



The proprietor of a famous music house sent to these fortunate little 
unfortunates a phonograph, with a large supply of needles and appro- 
priate records ; and many a "savage breast" was "charmed" by the 
sweet strains emanating therefrom. 

II. 

CHARACTERS IN THE LITTLE FRESH-AIR DRAMA. 

The children were veritable "live wires." The teacher often laughs 
about it now, in looking back upon those first clays, when she recalls 
her efforts at getting them together in line. One was no sooner in 
place, and the others nearly so, than the first was discovered elsewhere. 

This may have been due to the fact that they were living in vitalized 
air. There may have been something in the fact that since they were 
organized(?) in September they had had no regular teacher — not for 
days at a time ; or in the fact that when they were admitted they had 
been asked (some of them) if they wanted to go to the "play-room." 
where for quite a time life was one gay dream ; and it might also have 
been significant that some of them could boast of a "past," also of a 
"family-tree." 

There was "Tom the Terrible," with a record that reached farther 
than his own classroom and the principal's office. 

"Don't get his mother over here after you," the teacher was advised, 
and great tales were rehearsed of her few but sufficient visits when her 
fists and strong language were displayed with unlimited energy. 

"A quare family, that," remarked the woman in the flat above the 
basement where Tom resided. "They alius goes in be the back winde, 
ivery wan o' thim. If ye wanta see Mrs. Flannery, ye go back to the 
kitchen winde an' tap on it soft like wid a little stun, an' she'll think it's 
wan o' her friends, an' show her face to ye ; but ye might ring the bell 
till the chrack o' doom an' ye'll niver see a Flannery no more thin if 
not a wan o' thim lived there; not a bit of it, for that's the zcay the 
collectors come!" 

Tom himself was nearly ten years old, with straight brown hair 
and bluish-gray eyes. In his proud moments he stood at four feet, 
four and a half in his uppers (the soles of his shoes had a most astonish- 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



ing way of quickly disappearing when once Tom set his scurrying little 
feet upon them), and weighed sixty-five pounds. He had a very bad 
temper, to which he himself sadly confessed, but was very appreciative 
of the matron's culinary art. 

"Oh, teacher!" he would exclaim, radiantly, "this is just like my 
mother makes." But in his case "familiarity" certainly did not "breed 
contempt." 

There was "Tony," which cognomen was all-sufficient unto his asso- 
ciates. It was "Tony*' if he permitted, mind, with a gracious smile in 
his fine brown eyes and a parting of the firm little lips over even white 
teeth. 

But "Antonio'' was recorded in the register. He was nearly eleven 
years of age, stood four feet, two and three-quarters inches, and 
weighed fifty-four pounds. Over the home conditions of this little man 
the waiter must draw 7 a veil. At various times he was known to help 
himself to cream-puffs and the like from some child's lunch-basket, 
claim pencils known to belong to others, and deftly "pick" the children's 
pockets — all this before the remarkable change came, when no one was 
more to be depended upon than he. 

Who of us shall say that in the worst environment there may not 
grow up the sturdiest manhood, with a stronger resistance for wrong- 
doing than is found in one who has not seen the curse of it? 

There was Jack, their chum, with blue eyes and brown hair ; frail 
and not quite nine years old, four feet tw 7 o in height, and weighing fifty- 
two and a half pounds. Jack had good home conditions, but was an- 
emic and very irascible. His nemesis, and in fact, the nemesis of near- 
ly all around him, was poor little Louis, with great dark eyes that could 
oive you instantly a look of thankfulness as one sometimes sees in the 
glance of a pet collie, or the most dark and murderous look that was 
ever generated in a child's mind. He was eleven years of age, stood 
four feet two, and weighed fifty-nine pounds, with a temperature gener- 
ally a little above normal. Had a good appetite, but did not rest well. 

An older brother had died with tubercular trouble, and however 
much the children may have disliked him, his father reemed to be 
constantly afraid something might happen to take him away.' 

A large, strong Italian was the father, earning but a pittance that 
was far from enough to support his family ; but what he lacked in 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



earning" capacity he more than made up for in zeal in importuning' the 
various aid societies. The father, likewise, reminded one of a great 
collie, so overjoyed and thankful was he for favors received, that 
principal, teacher, and nurse, or anyone else who happened to be 
instrumental in bringing about an addition to the wardrobe, larder, 
or rent receipt, must — keep her hands out of oscillatory range. 

There were Henry and Ray, with the fair complexion of the Nor- 
wegians. Their father, slowly dying with consumption, was an inmate 
in a charitable hospital, and only occasionally visited the family hearth, 
where a little babe cooed a welcome to a sad-eyed father who knew he 
should never live to see it walk unaided. 

The family was in charge of one of the aid societies, and the two 
delicate boys received all the benefits the Fresh Air room could afford. 
in the hope that they might outgrow their tubercular tendencies. 

Henry the elder, was extremely nervous, irritable, and garrulous, 
and had a bad cough throughout the cold weather. 

There was little Amy, very untidy, cross, and unchildlike, and six 
other dear, sweet little girls, ranging in age from seven to eleven years, 
all with better home conditions, but all anemic, some of them having 
incipient "tb." 

Little Amy's mother died of consumption a short time after Christ- 
mas, having worked in a factory up to within two weeks of her 
death, to support her family of seven children that a cruel father 
had deserted. 

Their case was a bad example of the charity of some of our wealthy 
people. The rent of this family's hovel was paid by a woman of con- 
siderable means, who was being credited with supporting them. The 
eldest child, a young girl, anemic and a deaf mute, worked out for one 
dollar and a half a week, while the poor mother was permitted to drag 
her cough-racked little body to work for the support of the family, toil- 
ing early and late in the so-called home to keep her little flock together. 

No doubt this philanthropic woman could have managed, without 
any self-sacrifice, to make this suffering sister's last days more comfort- 
able ; but such was not the case, and the mother's suffering was so 
intense she was glad to lay her burden at her Master's feet, sorrowful 
only that she must leave her innocent little children incumbent upon 
strangers. : 

This family was afterward taken care of by the church to which the 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



mother belonged, thus disappointing a poor neighbor woman who had 
rooms in the rear of this miserable little "flat," and whose heart, being" 
as large as her voluminous body, had led her to mother the unhappy 
brood in their own mother's illness, and likewise prompted her to ask 
for the two youngest in adoption. 

There were also the twins, two unfortunate little boys, nearly ten 
years of age, each three feet ten in height, and weighing within a quar- 
ter of a pound of each other; on Fridays this was from forty-four to 
forty-five pounds ; on Mondays, from one and a half to two and a half 
or three pounds less. 

They were so nearly alike it was impossible to tell them apart, save 
for a tiny red spot beneath the right eye of one of them. A pathetic 
smile lurked in their large, soulful orbs, whose beauty was intensified 
by dark, curling lashes. 

Their father, also, was in the last stages of consumption, and as 
though that, together with the poverty that threw them upon the charity 
of others, were not enough trouble and sadness for the little family, he 
must occasionally be brought into court for inebriety and abuse of the 
frail wife and children. 

So anemic were these little boys that when the cold weather set in, 
it was not until they had been furnished with an outfit of warm clothing 
that they registered a normal temperature. So marked was this that 
in looking over the records of the children, it is easy to see when the 
twins got their supply of winter underwear. 

May and Loyal, two very delicate children, had had all the diseases 
known to childhood, with typhoid thrown in. Was it to be wondered at 
that their complexion was like chalk? They were bright children, but 
had not the physical strength to bear them out in their ambitions. These 
children seemed stronger when the temperature was quite low, but 
undoubtedly would not have been so without the rest and nourishment 
they received in the Fresh- Air room. 

There was little Aleck, eight years of age, thin and anemic but with 
a sweet disposition, whose mind was very alert, but whose body must 
be kept in as much repose as was consistent with school life, for his 
pulse was known to fly to one hundred twenty. 

Nathan, a beautiful dark-eyed boy, was afflicted with rheumatism 
and a heart which the physician feared might at any moment stop its 



-10- 



YEAR IN 



FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



life-beating; and Fanny, one of a family of three "tb" children, whose 
father was in the far West, slowly succumbing- to the terrible "white 
plague," and whose mother, afflicted with the same malady, was bravely 
trying to keep together her little family on the three dollars and a half 
board money paid her by a little "tb" girl whose mother was incarcer- 




EASTER TIME. ONE OF THE TWINS, AT THE MATRON'S RIGHT, INTENTLY 

WATCHING THE POURING OF THE MILK 

Courtesy of The Chicago Daily News 



ated in an insane asylum. An aid society paid her rent, but the family 
was often reduced to dry bread and water when there was a call made 
upon the weekly stipend for necessary clothing or medicine. 

What reader among you cannot feel he has untold riches in the face 
of this pathetic tale ! 



■11- 



A YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 

III. 

REQUISITES FOR A TEACHER IN A FRESH AIR ROOM. 

It will be readily seen that a teacher must not only be able to conduct 
the academic work and herself withstand the cold, but be possessed of 
a motherly instinct that will guide her in assisting to take care of the 
health of the children in her charge — to see that they do not sit in wet 
coats or wet shoes and stockings; to see if they are warmly clothed, 
and if not, to make report to proper authorities, and that failing, find 
some means of supplying the want immediately. It is true that many 
poor are thrown upon charity during the winter — all, seemingly, equally 
worthy ; but helpless children, put into a low-temperature room to 
remain throughout the day, should have a special claim over children 
who sit in warm rooms. 

The teacher must be watchful of the children during the rest period, 
for they are prone to uncover themselves, as every mother knows. 

She must teach them table etiquette and "company manners," for at 
the present time, while this sort of school is a novelty, the Fresh-Air 
rooms "receive" every day. It is imperative that both the classroom and 
dining-room be kept bright and attractive with appropriate decorations. 

She should have a heart to sympathize with the children's feelings 
and not "make a mountain out of a mole-hill" in their demeanor ; quiet- 
ing and soothing them with infinite patience ; cheering them with her 
own cheerfulness. 

IV. 

WEATHERING A LONG, SEVERE WINTER. 

And so, with a membership of twenty-five, those mentioned being a 
fair type for all, one of the most rigorous winters known in the history 
of Chicago was begun in an open-window room, or practically in the 
open air. 

As the weather became more severe, the children donned heavier 
clothing ; wore their caps and hoods, overcoats, and mittens. Many of 
them depended upon the aid societies, and some were too poor to buy 
what they really needed, but too proud to accept charity. Hence it 



—12- 



YEAR IN 



FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



would seem that felt boots should be furnished along with the cots, 
blankets, and stocking-caps. Even the loose and comfortable Eskimo 
suits made from woolen blankets would not have come amiss. 

About the first thing to be done in the way of getting settled was 
to make out a working system for placing the cots on the floor for the 
resting period and getting them so stacked afterward that they could 
be brought down into the same position every day without confusion or 
delav. Four large windows occupied almost the entire south side of 
the room. 

A regular diagram for placing the cots was made as follows, the 

les and chairs being - moved to front of rocm : 



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Each child was given a register-number and that number was 
marked upon the side of his cot in blue pencil, worked in one corner 
of his blanket, and printed in ink on a bit of white tape which was sewed 
to his stocking-cap. 

If a child left permanently, his property was sterilized before being- 
given to a new member. Occasionally, also, the rcom and contents were 
fumigated. 



-13— 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



Several experiments were made in folding the double woolen 
blankets, and the most satisfactory way seemed to be to fold first 
lengthwise, then crosswise, with the second fold at the foot. This just 
covered the cot with four thicknesses of blanket. 

The child got under two of these; at first, as soon as the children 
retired to their cots, the teacher went about and folded the under corners 
at the head and on the side toward the windows, over the child's shoul- 
der, tucking the edges of the top blanket under the lower blanket, and 
finally folding up over the child's feet all that extended below. 

The children laughingly said they were now in "sleeping-bags." 

After the second rest period, the blankets were straightened on the 
cots, same as just before the rest period, and again folded lengthwise, 
making a strip of eight thicknesses the length of the cot. Xow fold the 
foot even to the head, draw the folded blanket down to center of cot, 
place cap inside, and fold head and foot sections of cot to center. 

In stacking the cots, numbers 27 \ 4, 9, 26, and 24 were put into first 
tier, in the order given, in right-hand rear corner of room; 1, 2, 14, 
and 25 next; 20, 10, 18, and 5 next; 16, 17, 8, and 21 next; then 12. 
15, 19, and 22; and lastly, 11, 3, 7, and 23. They were taken down in 
reverse order, placing Xo. 23 first. It facilitates matters to mark the 
floor for placing the cots, till the Aids (boys zcho place them) are 
familiar with the spacing. The Aids were appointed by the Captains of 
the boys. Four Aids worked together at a time, two to every cot 
handled, and must needs be very dextrous ; not always the largest, for 
the work was light, and the delight of the twins — the "pee-wees," as 
some called them ; the "squabs," as designated by others, but always in 
terms of affection, for they were beloved and petted by all. 

It was learned that in one of oar neighboring cities the teacher of 
the Fresh- Air Room, an innovation in that city, ''absolutely refused to 
make up the children's cots, the janitress likewise, and no little trouble 
ensued.'' 

Not so in this case. From Tom. who was complimented upon the 
exactness with which he folded his blanket, to the smallest tot, the 
blankets were spread out by their owners preparatory for rest. 

Often they had a jolly race to see which row would "beat getting 
in." At such times, and when they were "making time,*' the older ones 
in each row helped the "babies" in first — and greatly enjoyed doing so. 



—14— 



YEAR IN 



FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



"Making time" meant putting up chairs, moving back tables, taking 
down cots, getting in and adjusting own blanket, just as ''Teacher" had 
done till the}- were accustomed to it. This got to be easily accomplished 
in less than three minutes. 

Opinions differ in regard to the advisability of haste in this matter. 
Y\ nile some, who have charge of the academic work, urge speed and as 




HAVING A RECITATION WITH ONE CLASS WHILE THE OTHERS HAVE 
TEMPERATURES AND PULSES TAKEN 

FIRST BOY AT RIGHT OF PICTURE OF COW WAS FIRST CAPTAIN; SECOND 
AND THIRD BOYS AT RIGHT OF TABLE ARE THE TWINS; NEXT, THE BELLE 
OF THE CLASS; AND NEXT, THE MISCHIEF. 

Courtesy of The Chicago Daily News 

little waste of time as possible, those who have charge of the health of 
the child urge caution in activities of all kinds, even to being compelled 
to accomplish more in the academic line than it will do easily and 
naturally. 



-15- 



YEAR IN A FRESH. AIR SCHOOL 



At the close of each rest period, signal was given for rising, and 
blankets were either straightened out for airing at noon, or folded up 
for closing in the afternoon. If any were still sleeping, they were left 
to rest without disturbance. Should this occur at noon, and the child 
was one who went home for lunch, time was given him in which to go. 
In no case was it ever thought to be taken advantage of, and rarely oiie 






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"TAPS" 

Courtesy of The Chicago Daily News 



dept so long he could not go home and return before the tardy-bell 



If one overslept in the afternoon, he seemed to feel that it was time 
for luncheon, and would appear at table not many minutes behind the 
others. 

As to routine : the nurse came in at nine in the morning, and while 
she took the temperature and pulse of some of the pupils, the teacher 
held a recitation with others. This generally took twenty minutes. The 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 




TAKING WEIGHTS— SECOND BOY 'BACK OF NURSE IS TONY, WHILE TOM 
PEEPS SHYLY OCT, THE FOURTH ONE BACK OF HIM 

Courtesy cf The Chicago Daily News 



remainder of the time till about nine fifty-five was taken up with recita- 
tions, interrupted now and then, according to severity of cold, by 
calisthenics. 

The children then repaired to the dining-room, where they were 



-17- 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



served in the morning with hot soup, or spaghetti, or stewed beans, and 
bread. In the afternoon they had milk and bread, and every other day 
syrup or jelly with it. In very cold weather, hot cocoa was served 
instead of cold milk. 

Two classes, or fifty children in all, sat at two tables at the same 
time, and unless by accident the supply ran out, each child was given 
all it wished for. 

Whole-wheat and bran bread were used, one slice counting in the 
record for two ounces. One serving of milk — one glassful — or of soup 
or cocoa, counted for eight ounces ; and one would be surprised upon 
hearing the ''record-call" in the classroom afterward, to note how many 
ounces could be tucked away under those little jackets. 

Before returning to the classroom, the children were given a recess ; 
and after brushing their teeth with brushes provided them by the Fresh- 
Air fund, returned to their work at ten-thirty, continuing their studies 
till ten-fifty-five, when tables and chairs were moved back, cots taken 
down, and all at rest at eleven o'clock. At twelve, all who were not 
asleep were dismissed. 

During the coldest weather, the children who lived so far away they 
were obliged to bring their lunch were served at noon with hot cocoa, 
at five cents a week each, by the matron, or woman who prepared their 
regular lunches. This was noticed to help increase their weight. 

During the below-zero weather, the windows were closed from 
twelve to one, if there were no sleepers in the room. 

From one-ten to one-thirty, temperatures and pulses were again 
taken while recitations were in progress, after which the children had 
a rest period of forty-five minutes. Recitations were again resumed, 
with one or two interruptions for calisthenics, till a quarter of three, 
when the children repaired to the dining-room, going through the same 
routine as in the morning, and being dismissed at three-fifteen. 

Throughout Chicago, the school children are visited regularly by a 
physician and nurse appointed by the Board of Education. 

The two Fresh- Air rooms in this school had the added services of a 
specialist in tubercular disease, who examined the children before enter- 
ing, performed all necessary operation of swollen glands and tonsils, 
adenoids, etc., and visited them daily. 

They also had the exclusive services of a nurse who, in addition to 



■18- 



YEAR IN 



FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



taking temperatures and pulses twice daily, visited their homes and 
advised with their mothers, and was in attendance at operations. 

If a child had much of a temperature, he was put to rest on his cot. 

Now and then, through carelessness or exposure away from school, 
a child developed a cough, in which case medicine was administered ; 
but in most cases of cold, the fresh air and proper nourishment were 
sufficient. 

The children's teeth were cared for free of charge at the "clinic" 
where all the minor operations were performed. 




LINE-UP FOR MALTED MILK IN THE PRESCOTT SCHOOL, BOSTON 

The children who did not have the conveniences at home for a warm 
tub bath were given one every Monday morning at school. These chil- 
dren were put to rest in the back row of cots and in those farthest from 
the windows. In severe weather, the window opposite the back row 
was closed on Mondays from eleven to twelve, as a precaution against 
these children's taking cold after a bath; but there were very few days 
when this was thought to be necessary. 

In case of a severe snow or rain storm, there were generally a few 
children absent. Their cots were folded up and put away, and the 



.10- 



YEAR IN 



FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



remainder shoved back out of the storm. In two or three instances 
only were windows closed because of a storm, and then but one or two 
of them. 

Upon rare occasions, when the mercury fell below forty degrees in 
the farthermost corner, two windows were closed. 

It was the teacher's duty to note the temperature at window and 
in rear of room, also the status of the hygrometer, every hour of the 
day, and record the same in the diary and on a blank prepared for the 
purpose. She also weighed the children every Monday morning and 
Friday afternoon, noting exactly the gains and losses, and keeping a 
record of the same, together with a copy of the temperatures and pulse c 
taken by the nurse, and the amount of food and rest. These records, 
filled in as follows, were carefully filed away: 

Week 29th, 1912. Room — . Child No. 12*. 



March 


Wt, 


Temp. 


Pulse. 


Sleep. 


Milk, 


Bread, 


Soup 




lbs. 


96.6 


80 




oz. 


oz. 


oz. 


25 


55 


96.6 
98.8 


80 
82 


G 


16 


24 


8 


26 




98.6 
994 


82 
82 


F 


32 


22 


20 


27 




98.2 
98.6 


82 
82 


G 


16 


12 


8 


28 




98 
98.8 


80 
80 


E 


8 


H 


20 


29 




98.6 


88 


E 


16 


14 _ 


8 


Gain, 


#ib: 








88 


86 


56 



* Tony's. 

Thermometer and hygrometer records were kept in the diary and 
copied upon record filed away for future reference. 

Since one bowl of soup or one glass of milk counted for eight 
ounces, and one slice of bread two ounces, it will be seen that in the 
above case the amount consumed in five days was eleven glasses of milk, 
forty-three slices of bread, and seven bowls of soup. 

Others averaged three or four bowls of soup and four glasses of 



—20— 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



milk per day, but less bread ; while some had quite an even record 
throughout the year of one glass of milk or one bowl of soup and one 
slice of bread at each meal, with a steadier gain in weight — these were 
found to be the children with the better home conditions. 

During that memorable period of four months, from December 4, 
191 1, to April 1, 1912, thermometer records show the following 
statistics: 

At the window for one or more periods — 

Days below io° 1 

Days between io° and 20 2 

Days between 20 and 30° 14 

Days between 30 and 40° 30 

Days between 40 and 50 ■ 21 

Days between 50 and 55 5 

Days between 55 and 62 4 

No school January 1, February 12 and 22. 

In the innermost corner, for one or more periods — 

Days below 40 7 

Days between 40 and 45 ° 16 

Days between 45 and 50 20 

Days between 50 and 55 20 

All others above 55 °. 

There were but a few days when the general temperature of the 
room fell below 40 . The physician then ordered that at such times 
one or two windows be closed. 

At times, when the children's fingers and toes were very cold, they 
took, in addition to deep breathing, such exercises as treading, lightly 
bounding, swinging the arms and clapping the hands. This warmed 
them up and did not seem to disagree with them. 

During this long cold period, academic work had to be necessarily 
slighted. The children were kept rather busy keeping warm. But 
attendance was good, as were the appetites. 

It is a fact worth notice that during the first three weeks in January, 
when the severe cold began, there was a steady, normal increase in 
weight ; the next three weeks showing a loss to equal it, while the 
seventh recorded the greatest increase of any week, equaling two other 
banner weeks. 



-21- 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



In severe weather, the children wore mittens, thus precluding any 
regular writing lesson till a more comfortable time ; but some written 
work was done each day. They managed, also to do some drawing, 
and with their stiff little fingers made quite a variety of valentines, 
doilies, bon-bon boxes, appropriate place-cards, table decorations, and 
the like for all occasions. 

V. 
EFFECT UPON THE CHILDREN. 

It is said that, by actual experiment, children studying in a room 
charged with alternating, high-frequency currents of electricity will 
grow twice as rapidly and learn twice as much as children of the same 
age and natural tendencies in an ordinary schoolroom. 

Fresh, pure air supplies electricity in all its desirable forms, and 
fortunate indeed are those anemic children and those with tubercular 
tendencies who have an opportunity to study in a Fresh-Air room, 
where the rest period precludes the possibility of fatigue, one of the 
prime factors of disease, and where light refreshment is given the child 
at a time when he really needs it and it will do him the most good. 

It is said that no child is naturally lazy ; that where there is evidence 
of it. there must be disease of some sort. 

It has been satisfactorily demonstrated that in the Fresh-Air rooms, 
conducted in this way. children become more active physically, more 
alert mentally, and are able to accomplish more in a given time, than 
in the closed schoolroom. 

The irritable, bad-tempered, and seemingly otherwise normal child 
improves greatly under this regime, but it becomes a question as to 
whether he should be preferred to those of weak vitality and the really 
ailing, or if he should be placed in the same room with them. Under 
the stimulus of pure air, rest, and proper nourishment, such children 
not only monopolize the time and attention of the teacher, but have a 
decidedly bad effect upon the sickly child, causing extreme nervousness, 
restlessness, and a depression of mental energy. 

The vicious child is an element to be dealt with separately. 

Too often, of late, he ip called subnormal, and thrown into a room 
where the really subnormal are cared for. It is like placing a sane 



-22— 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



person with the insane, and cannot help having much the same effect 
upon him. 

A Fresh-Air room could be opened in each district, or in each large 
school, for pupils of his kind. 

"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach," is a homely old 
adage with "more truth than poetry," for a well-filled stomach plays an 
important part in the education of a child. 

It was noticed that in some cases the child was not capable of con- 
centration of thought till after partaking of some refreshment. 

Where there is pure air — naturally vitalized air — cleanliness, proper 
food, and warm clothing, a fair state of health obtains ; and in a true 
state of health there is no lethargy of mind or body, no moroseness, no 
viciousness. 

What child takes sufficient nourishment at breakfast to bolster up 
his strength till noon ? Add to that the devitalized condition of the air 
of the ordinary schoolroom, and one must pity the child who is well 
enough to receive so little consideration as the average schoolroom 
affords. 

VI. 
CHARACTER BUILDING. 

There were nineteen boys and six girls in this certain room, and 
drills in marching and soldierly tactics were greatly appreciated. 

The irritable and bad-tempered being much in evidence, a system of 
self-government was inaugurated, aided and abetted by the teacher. 

A candidate for office must not only be able to control himself, but 
be cleanly and neat in appearance ; and many a head of hair looked as 
sleek as a mole ; many a face bright and shiny, beamed above a tie, 
the length and breadth and color of which left no doubt as to its being 
there on duty. In one or two instances, the shoes bespoke a polish that 
answered alike for stove and shoes. 

The first Captain and Lieutenant were boys who got no credit for 
being good, and therefore now do not come into the limelight, simply 
because their home training was such that nothing else was expected of 
them. But they nearly wore the honors out before Tony, Jack, and Tom 
came into their own. 



YEAR IN 



FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



It was a memorable day when Tony was "commissioned." The 
teacher taught him his commands, and he was quick to learn them. Tlie 
boys loved, respected, and obeyed him. 

Dignity sat upon his infantile countenance, and he bore himself like 
a general. His hands were shapely and always clean, and on that day 
he wore on the third finger of his right hand — the one near his teacher 
at table — a neat little ring, the gift of the mo 'her who had not lost the 
natural mother-love for this little son. 




OPEN AIR IN THE PRESCOTT SCHOOL, BOSTON 

Jack made a fine Captain, but was less sturdy, and became something 
of a "dandy," such as one sometimes sees among real Captains. But he 
was greatly esteemed, and the boys received many compliments under 
his command 

One of the boys said, "Tom is long on readin' an' spellin' an' 
repeatin' stories an' talkin' an' fightin', but short on 'rifmetic an' 
behavin'," which was one reason why he was not commissioned till 
quite late in the year. But Tom always wept real repentant t:crs when 
in disgrace for misbehavior, and attributed it so frankly to the "bad 
temper I was horned wit'," that matters were always patched up and 



-24- 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



his boat given another launch upon the Sea of Harmony, till at length it 
was as stable a craft as ever sailed. 

"Teacher" still has the officers' badges, returned at the end of the 
r. Time-worn are the}-, and stained with many an accidental bap- 
tism of soup, milk, and syrup, as her own dresses have been in sitting 
beside some nervous or careless little offender ; but the)- are beyond 
price to her, for the}- have adorned the coats of those little heroes and 
heroines whose hearts, she hopes, beat as faithfully and lovingly as hers 
dees for them. 



VII. 
EQUIPMENT OF CULINARY DEPARTMENT. 

There is so little cooking to be done, and that so simple, that one end 
of the dining-room was used for the purpose. 

Plain beard tables can be made by a carpenter, and covered with 
white oilcloth. A table seventeen feet long will accommodate twenty- 
five pupils and their teacher in chairs. If long benches are used, fifteen 
feet in length will do. Chairs are more generally used than benches. 

Each child, the teacher, and any guests w r ere furnished with a 
medium-sized plate and bowl when soup was serveel — a tumbler taking 
the place of the bowl in case of milk. A dessert spoon was placed at 
each plate, and when jelly was served, a knife. 

( )n each table were required three bread plates, two pitchers for 
milk, or one tureen and large ladle for soup, beans, or spaghetti; two 
salt and pepper shakers, and a fern-dish or vase for flowers'. Under 
the plates were paper doilies, made by the children, and paper napkins 
for the children's use. 

When the children entered the dining-room, they found at each 
place a bowl of soup or glass of milk, placed there by the woman who 
did the cooking. 

Certain children were delegated to bring the glasses or bowls for 
replenishing to the teacher, who sat at the head of the table, and served. 

When syrup was served, two or three tablespoonfuls were poured 
upon each plate, and that was generally made to suffice, as it was too 
"messy" to be handled very freely. At that, it took a five-pound can for 



—25— 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



fifty children. It was greatly enjoyed by the children, who ate much 
more bread with than without it. 

A gas stove was needed for the cooking of the food, also a ten- 
gallon granite kettle, a five-gallon, and one or two still smaller granite 
kettles with asbestos plates ; a vegetable chopper, paring-knife, bread- 
knife, several iron spoons, salt and pepper boxes, two or three teacups, 
two or three bowls, basins, etc. A work table, two dish cabinets, bread 
box, garbage pail, and two dishpans, about completed the list for this 
department. 



VIII. 
SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED. 

One very general question was, "Who furnishes the funds for sup- 
porting the Fresh-Air Rooms of Chicago ?" 

Everything except that which is furnished by the School Board for 
the ordinary classroom is paid for out of the Elizabeth McCormick 
Memorial Fund. 

In the roof-schools, this includes, for each child, the so-called 
Eskimo suit, made from woolen blankets. This consists of long trousers 
and a loose coat with hood attached ; also felt boots and woolen 
mittens. 

"Is not this Fresh Air treatment lost upon children who must return 
to badly conditioned homes after school hours and from Friday to 
Monday?" 

Some of the good that is done is counteracted by the conditions of 
their home life, but not all. The nurse visits the homes, inspects the 
sanitary conditions, and suggests what seems best for their improve- 
ment. She also advises the mothers as to proper diet and where the 
family is too poor to feed the children properly the aid societies gener- 
ally make up the deficit. 

"Are the infected children supposed to overcome this disease by the 
Fresh Air treatment?" 

Yes, if continued long enough and not too far advanced to begin 
with. Only incipient cases are admitted to open-window rooms. 

"In severe weather, if the windows were lowered enough to make 



-26— 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



the temperature of the room fifty degrees, as above, would not the 
children then be comfortable without extra clothing, such as felt boots?" 
Remember that warm air rises and cold air settles ; and when the 
temperature outside is forty degrees, or below, the feet become cold, 
and everyone knows the harm of that. 

"Are there ever any bad effects from this exposure to cold?" 

Extreme care should be taken that it may not result seriously. ''Keep 
the body warm" is the slogan. 

"Would not the results be as satisfactory if the children were simply 
kept in the open air, without nourishment at recess time and with a 
shorter rest-period?" 

The experiment was tried for about fourteen weeks, resulting in a 
general loss of weight and other unfavorable conditions. 

Some of the little folks lived so far away they had to bring their 
lunch, which generally consisted of dry bread, or at most a sandwich ; 
and the child was often indisposed to eat it because of a lack of some 
liquid, other than the water at the faucets, to accompany it. 

Cutting down the rest period proved to be unsatisfactory, as this 
class of children are naturally restless, and quiet and repose are abso- 
lutely essential to their improvement. 

"Are all the infected children from very poor families?" 

Xot all of them; but all seem to require the same treatment — good 
pure air, a limited amount of academic work, with rest and proper 
nourishment. 

"Aren't the noises of the street disturbing during the rest period?" 
(The school visited was in a congested district and the Fresh Air room 
on the first floor.) 

Decidedly. The top floor is the ideal place, provided the classrooms, 
dining-room, and toilets are on the same floor. 

"Do you find the physician and nurse unpleasantly dictatorial?" 

Xo, indeed. The utmost harmony exists and their visits are a pleas- 
ure, both to pupils and teacher. 

"How are the children induced to remain quiet in their seats, and have 
at least the semblance of sleeping?" 

One plan that resulted successfully was to offer a prize to the girl and 
boy gaining the most in weight during the year; then impressing it upon 
their minds that rest will do much to add to their avoirdupois. 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



IX. 

PRACTICAL RECIPES. 

The following recipes were used in the daily diet. As to quantity 
for so many children, there should he twenty-five to twenty-seven quarts 
of soup ; twenty to twenty-two quarts of milk or cocoa ; six to eleven 
loaves of Dread for two meals — the greatest quantity being required 
when eaten with syrup or jelly. 

Cream Tomato Soup. 

Thoroughly cook 4 qts. tomatoes and strain through cheese cloth. 
Brown Y\ lb. butter in frying-pan and stir in 2 x / 2 cups of flour. Thin 
with milk and cook, stirring to keep from burning. Add to the toma- 
toes and season with 1 tablespoonful of celery salt and 1 cup of 
common salt. 

Heat 18 qts. of sweet milk and add the tomato mixture. 

Cream Potato Soup. 

Pare and cook y 2 peck of potatoes, mash and use instead of toma- 
toes in recipe for Cream Tomato Soup, and add 1 tablespoonful of 
onion salt. 

Vegetable Barley Soup. 

Cook thoroughly 15 cents worth of soup-bone meat. When the 
meat is nearly tender add more water, one tablespoonful each of 
paprika, onion salt, and celery salt. One quart dry onions may be used 
instead of onion salt. 

Pare and wash and run through chopper 4 potatoes, 3 or 4 carrots, 
1 parsnip, 2 or 3 sprigs of parsley, and, if desired, 1 leek. 

Add to meat and cook together. 

In separate kettle cook 3 lbs. of barley in enough water to keep 
well covered and season with i^> cups of salt. When well done add 
to the meat and vegetables and enough water to make about 25 to 27 
quarts. 

Vegetable Rice Soup. 

Same as Vegetable Barley Soup, substituting rice for barley. 

Bean Soup. 

Soak 8 qts. of navy beans 1 hour in cold water. 



-28- 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



Drain and cover again deeply with cold water, and cook. 

When the water comes to a boil, stir in 4 teaspoonfuls of baking 
soda: boil five minutes and drain again. Once more cover with cold 
water, let come to a boil, then cook slowly. 

Pare and cut into small pieces 1 qt. of dry onions, add to beans 
with 1 qt. tomatoes (1 can), 1 tablespoonful of celery salt, 1 table- 
spoonful of paprika, and 1 cup of common salt. One tablespoonful of 
onion salt could take the place of dry onions. 

Make a paste of 2 cups of flour and cold water ; thin and add to 
mixture after it has cooked 2^/2 hours. Cook all together another Y / 2 
hour, or longer, if the beans require it. and serve. 

Stewed Beans. 

Soak and parboil 8 lbs. of kidney beans same as for Bean Soup. 
Use same amount of celery salt, common salt, paprika, and onions ; 
2 to 3 qts. of tomatoes, and, lastly, instead of the thickening, y 2 peck 
of potatoes cut into dice. One leek will add to the flavor of either. 

Spaghetti. 

Fill a 10-gallon kettle about two-thirds full of water. Put into this 
2 cups of salt and bring to a boil. Break 10 pounds of spaghetti into 
small pieces and cook 20 minutes in the salted water. 

In another kettle, ccok and mash fine 3 qts. (cans) of tomatoes 
(more if it can be afforded ) and season with 1 tablespoonful of 
table salt. 

Drain the spaghetti from the water and add to the tomatoes, mixing 
well together. 

Serve one ladleful to each, and more afterward, if desired. 

Cocoa. 

Pour 3 qts. of hot water over 25 tablespoonful? each of cocoa and 
granulated sugar. Cook 15 minutes. 

Heat 18 qts. of sweet milk and add the cocoa. 

Take plenty of time to heat the milk, and use asbestos plate over 
burner, either for cocoa or cream soup. 

Because of the fear some persons have of giving children a diet 
of mixed liquid milks, such as are ordinarily obtained from the milk- 
man, and because of the inaccessibility of the same in some sections 
of country, a few recipes containing Horlick's Malted Milk are here 
given. They have been very successfully tried out in various schools. 



—29- 



YEAR IN A FRESH AIR SCHOOL 



A Favorite Sleeping Cup. 

Dissolve i or 2 heaping tablespoonfuls of Horlick's Malted Milk 
in hot water, by first rubbing up the powder to a paste with a little 
water, afterwards adding enough water to fill a cup. Some add a little 
salt to the solution, others prefer a little ground nutmeg or cinnamon 
as flavoring. Drink as hot as convenient. 

Horlick's Malted Milk Cocoa or Chocolate. 

Horlick's Malted Milk i tablespoonfnl, powdered chocolate or pow- 
dered cocoa i teaspoonful, hot water to make a cup, sugar sufficient 
to sweeten. Mix the Horlick's Malted Milk, chocolate (or cocoa) and 
water, stirring well, and boil for three minutes. A drop or two of 
vanilla extract may be added as flavoring ; add the sugar, also, if 
desired, and serve hot. 

A Favorite Table Beverage. 

Prepare a cup of Horlick's Malted Milk in accordance with direc- 
tions, add a tablespoonful of sweet cream, flavor to suit the taste. 
Serve hot. 

Horlick's Malted Milk Hot with Vanilla. 

Horlick's Malted Milk I tablespoonful, water to make a cup, sugar 
sufficient to sweeten, essence of vanilla 10 drops. 

Malted Milk and Currants. 

Red currant jelly i tablespoonful, Horlick's Malted Milk I table- 
spoonful, water I cupful, cracked ice. 

Horlick's Malted Milk with Egg. 
Eggs i or 2, cracked ice sufficient. Horlick's Malted Milk I table- 
spoonful, water sufficient to fill an ordinary glass or cup. Shake 
thoroughly and strain. 

Partially Digested Cereals Prepared at the Table. 

To a saucer of well-cooked oatmeal, wheaten grits, or rice, at the 
customary temperature, add I or 2 teaspoonful s of Horlick's Diastoid, 
a dry extract of malt which is very active in the digestion of farina- 
ceous foods. Stir for a few minutes before eating. 

Horlick's Malted Milk Tomato Bouillon. 

To a medium-sized cup, take 2 teaspoonfuls of Horlick's Malted 
Milk, 1 tablespoonful of concentrated tomato bouillon. Mix; rub to a 
smooth paste ; add to this, stirring briskly, sufficient hot water to fill 
cup ; season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. 



-30- 





A YEA 


R I N A 


FRESH AIR 


SCHOOL 






PROGRAM 






The following 


is a good workir 


Lg 


Daily Program for 


a class combining 


first, second, and third grades. 










Time, a. m. 


Recitation. 










9:00to 9:15 


C, reading. 


A 


and B, temperature 


and pulse taken. 




9:15 to 9:35 


A, arithmetic. 


c, 


temp, and pulse. B 


and C, *seat-work. 




9:35 to 9:45 


Calisthenics. 










9:45 to 10:00 


B, reading. 


A, 


written arith. C, write at board. 




10:00 to 10:30 


Recess and lunch. Record of ounces tak 


en. 




10:30 to 10:50 


A, reading. 


B 


and C, *seat work. 






10:50 to 11:00 


B, arithmetic. 


A, 


*seat work. C, draw at board. 




11:00 to 12:00 


Rest period. 










12:00 Dismissal. 










P. M. 




A 


and B, temperature 


and pulse. 




1:00 to 1:20 


C, reading. 


B, 


study. C, temperature and pulse. 




1:00 to 1:30 


A, spelling. 










1:30 to 2:15 


Rest period. 










2:00 to 2:20 


Calisthenics. 










2:20 to 2:35 


Language or 










nature, alternately. 










2:35 to to 2:45 Writing. 










2:45 to 3:10 


Recess and lunch 










3:10to 3:15 


Record taken. 










3:15 


Dismissal. 










EXCEPTIONS 










Monday, a. m. 

8:45 to 9:00 

9:00 to 10:30 
Wednesday, a 

9:15 to 9:35 
Friday, a. m. 
10:30 to 10:50 
Friday, p. m. 

2:15 to 2:45 


Weighing. 
Usual recitations 
m. 
Construction w'k 

Drawing. 

Recess, lunch and 


Children sent in turn 


for their baths. 




records. 
2:45 to 3:00 Weighing. 

3: to 3:15 Singing. 
3:15 Dismissal. 








of 


In very severe 
writing. 


weather calisthenics, singing, games, etc., take the place 




*This may be 


re-production of 


construction work, 


solving number 


pre 
etc 


blems with obj 


ects, cutting and 


pasting pictures, words, and sentences, 



—31— 



JUL 11 W* 



"THE RESULTS WERE PHENOMENAL" 

So said Principal W. L. Murphy, of the Prescott School, Boston, 
Mass., in speaking of the use of Horlick's Malted Milk in the Fresh-Air 
Class of that school. A cupful of hot Horlick's Malted Milk was given 
to each child about the middle of each session, with the following results: 



Weight April 29 


Weight May 24 


Weieht June 18 


Absence during pre- 


Absence afterwards- 


Pounds 


Pounds 


Pounds 


vious mos Sessions 


Sessions 


Grl 62 


63 


66 


160 


1 


Girl 49 


60 


64 


66 


1 


Boy 66 


70 


72 


38 


1 


Girl 58 | 


60 


61 


• 20 


1 


Boy 62 


64 


65 


78 


1 


Boy 60 


63 


64 


34 


1 


Girl 64 


69 


70 


51 


3 


Girl 54 


56 


58 


18 





Girl 5 1 




55 


12 





Girl 60 ! 


62 


63 


60 





Bov 55 


57 


59 


73 


8 


Gi'l 59 


61 


63 


35 





Average increase in weight 5 pounds 


665 
Total absence b°fore 


17 
Total abs. afterwards 



THESE RESULTS WERE ATTAINED 

because Horlick's Malted Milk is one of the most nourishing of foods. It 
is made from the finest malted grains and pure full-cream milk. It reaches 
you in hermetically sealed, sterilized bottles; will keep indefinitely in any 
climate, and is ready for use in a moment by simply stirring briskly in hot 
or cold water. 




As the above photograph shows, the Horlick plant and laboratories are 
ideally situated in the country, where fresh air and sunlight abound. 



HORLICK'S MALTED MILK COMPANY 

RACINE, WISCONSIN 



■32- 



